As my first router is more or less finished now, I am planning my next machine. First of all let me say this will be a SLOW build, I am basically limited to the electronics for the next three months, as new shed/house, but mainly shed are getting built.
Machine spec's (at this stage ) :
Cutting area : 1200mm by 2400mm (4ft by 8ft)
Cutting depth : 200mm
Motion : Servo's or Steppers with encoder feedback (read on)
Linear movement : Rack and Pinion
No. of Axis : 4 axis... 4th will be angular axis imbedded into table with variable job length up to approx 2000mm
Type of construction : Steel (of course) I intend to make things a little more rigid on this machine, am looking at a base frame made from structual I-beams, with the rolling base consisting of bright steel square bar, using bearings again, but forward planning a little to keep dust/chips away from the surface of the rails. Overhead gantry will probably be I-beam as well, all beams will have gussets welded every so-often to increase rigidity.
Spindle : Interchangable, as in a quick swapover method to change between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch shaft routers. Also planning for some kind of spindle to be able to mount as well.
Russell.